Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, is praised for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, showcasing Aflion's dedication to balanced performance. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver from Gateron is a linear switch made entirely of POM, offering a short travel distance for rapid actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal - the Foggy Shadow for its tactile feedback and medium weight, and the Smoothie Silver for its rapid actuation and smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it's clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top housing materials. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both materials provide a pleasing auditory experience for users, with the polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and resonance, and the POM offering a distinct depth.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Foggy Shadow utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, aligning with the overall tone set by the top housing material. While the specific qualities of each material may differ slightly, both switches leverage the properties of their respective bottom housings to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
It's worth noting that the impact of the top and bottom housings on the sound and feel of the switches may vary. The bottom housing material is more influential on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences in emphasis, both the Foggy Shadow and the Smoothie Silver offer a balanced combination of top and bottom housing materials to achieve a harmonious typing experience for users. Ultimately, whether using the polycarbonate and nylon combination or the POM top and bottom housing pairing, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Foggy Shadow is heavier in terms of bottom out force at 63.5 grams, while the Smoothie Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not specified, but we can assume it is different from the Smoothie Silver due to the tactile nature of the Foggy Shadow switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie Silver for longer periods of typing or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are gaining popularity in modern keyboards. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Smoothie Silver a popular choice. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Foggy Shadow to be more to their liking with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that users can expect a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making it suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has not been specifically described in terms of sound, but it is worth noting that the all-POM construction and smooth actuation are likely to produce a unique thocky sound that is well-loved by enthusiasts.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is known for its light tactile bump and medium weight with a 63.5g bottom-out force. This provides users with a balanced typing experience that falls in line with Aflion's commitment to performance. The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, on the other hand, features a short travel distance for quick actuation and unparalleled smoothness, giving users a feather-light touch that is sure to enhance typing speed and accuracy.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard enthusiast community. While the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched sound and light tactile bump, the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound and smooth actuation. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is important to keep in mind the specific characteristics of each switch. If you prefer a light tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a short travel distance, a thocky sound, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and actuation force. Consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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